Floor panel systems and methods

ABSTRACT

The present subject matter relates to systems and methods for arranging a plurality of floor panels having a center panel having a perimeter edge and a plurality of first panels each having an inner edge and an outer edge opposing the inner edge. The inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels can be configured for engaging the perimeter edge of the center panel, whereby the plurality of first panels can form a first ring configured to substantially surround the center panel. At least one additional plurality of panels can be configured for engagement together to form at least one additional ring configured to substantially surround the first ring and the center panel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to floor systemsand to floor systems comprising a plurality of individual flooringelements. More particularly, the subject matter disclosed herein relatesto floor panel systems and methods comprising a plurality of flooringelements configured to be arranged in a predetermined pattern.

BACKGROUND

Wood or laminate flooring has become increasingly popular. As such, manydifferent types of this flooring have been developed. Generally, thistype of flooring is assembled by providing a plurality of similarpanels, which interfit or are otherwise secured together and which can“float” above a subfloor (i.e., the flooring is not mechanicallyattached to the subfloor).

In nearly all of the flooring systems that implement this kind ofconfiguration, the panels are substantially rectangular in shape and aresecured together in adjacent linear arrays. Although such linear arraysare generally desirable for most flooring projects, the ability toarrange panels in other configurations or patterns would also bedesirable in certain situations.

SUMMARY

In accordance with this disclosure, systems and methods for arranging aplurality of floor panels are provided. In one aspect, a system of floorpanels is provided. The system can comprise a center panel having aperimeter edge and a plurality of first panels each having an inner edgeand an outer edge opposing the inner edge. The inner edge of each of theplurality of first panels can be configured for engaging the perimeteredge of the center panel, whereby the plurality of first panels can forma first ring configured to substantially surround the center panel.

In another aspect, a system of floor panels can comprise a substantiallycircular center panel having a perimeter edge and a plurality of firstpanels each having an inner edge and an outer edge opposing the inneredge. The inner edge of each of the plurality of first panels can beconfigured for engaging the perimeter edge of the center panel, wherebythe plurality of first panels can form a first substantially circularring configured to substantially surround the center panel.

In yet another aspect, a method for arranging a plurality of floorpanels is provided. The method can comprise positioning a center panelon a subfloor, the center panel having a perimeter edge, and positioninga plurality of first panels on the subfloor in a first ringsubstantially surrounding the center panel. In this way, an inner edgeof each of the plurality of first panels can engage the perimeter edgeof the center panel.

Although some of the aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein havebeen stated hereinabove, and which are achieved in whole or in part bythe presently disclosed subject matter, other aspects will becomeevident as the description proceeds when taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings as best described hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present subject matter will be morereadily understood from the following detailed description which shouldbe read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that are givenmerely by way of explanatory and non-limiting example, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a system of floor panels according to anembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIGS. 2A through 2E are plan views of individual floor panels that canbe incorporated into a system of floor panels according to an embodimentof the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3A is a side sectional view of mating features of a floor panel foruse in a system of floor panels according to an embodiment of thepresently disclosed subject matter; and

FIG. 3B is a side sectional view of the engagement of mating features ontwo floor panels of a system of floor panels according to an embodimentof the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present subject matter provides systems and methods for arranging aplurality of floor panels. In one aspect, for example, the presentsubject matter provides a system of floor panels that can be arranged inan array of concentric rings. Specifically, referring to FIG. 1, asystem of floor panels, generally designated 100, can comprise a centerpanel 110 and a plurality of first panels 120 that can be arranged toform a first ring 128 substantially surrounding center panel 110.Additional groupings of panels can be arranged to form further ringsthat substantially surround center panel 110 and the first ring 128. Inthe particular configuration shown in FIG. 1, for example, a pluralityof second panels 130, a plurality of third panels 140, and a pluralityof fourth panels 150 can be arranged to substantially surround firstring 128 and center panel 110. Specifically, second, third, and fourthpanels 130, 140, and 150 can be configured for engagement together toform a second ring 138, a third ring 148, and a fourth ring 158,respectively, which can be arranged to concentrically surround firstring 128 and center panel 110 to thereby form a substantiallytarget-shaped pattern. Regarding the design of the individual panels,referring to FIG. 2A, center panel 110 can be a substantially circularpanel having a perimeter edge 112 and a radius 113 (e.g., about 400 mm).Referring to FIG. 2B, each of the plurality of first panels 120 can havea substantially trapezoidal shape corresponding to a segment of acircular ring. In particular, each of first panels 120 can define afirst inner edge 122 and a first outer edge 124 that each can be curvedsuch that when first panels 120 are arranged adjacent to each other, theresulting arrangement forms a substantially circular ring (i.e., firstring 128) defined by a first inner radius 123 (e.g., about 400 mm) and afirst outer radius 125 (e.g., about 1200 mm). In addition, each of firstpanels 120 can have a first width 126 (i.e., arc length) at first outeredge 124 that can be varied to control the number of first panels 120that are used to form first ring 128. In the configuration show in FIG.1, and for example and without limitation, eighteen of first panels 120can be used to form first ring 128 where first width 126 issubstantially the same for each of first panels 120. In thisconfiguration, each of first panels 120 can have a first width 126(i.e., arc length) corresponding to a 20° segment of first ring 128,wherein first width 126 for each of first panels 120 is equal to about1/18 the product of 2π times the dimension of first outer radius 125(i.e., about 412 mm where outer radius 125 is about 1200 mm).Alternatively, panels 120 can have different values for first width 126such that first ring 128 is composed of panels having varying sizes.Further, each of first panels 120 can have a first depth 127 (i.e.,about the difference between first outer radius 125 and first innerradius 123) that can be varied to control the size of first ring 128.

Similarly, referring to FIG. 2C, each of the plurality of second panels130 can comprise a second inner edge 132 having an arcuate shapecharacterized by a second inner radius 133 (e.g., about 1200 mm), asecond outer edge 134 opposing second inner edge 132 and having anarcuate shape characterized by a second outer radius 135 (e.g., about1900 mm), a second width 136 (i.e., arc length) at second outer edge 134(e.g., about 650 mm), and a second depth 137. Second inner radius 133 ofeach of second panels 130 can be sized to be substantially equal tofirst outer radius 125 so that second panels 130 can be arrangedsubstantially seamlessly around first panels 120.

Likewise, FIG. 2D illustrates that each of third panels 140 can have athird inner edge 142 having a third inner radius 143 that can besubstantially equivalent to second outer radius 135 of second panels 130(e.g., about 1900 mm), a third outer edge 144 having a third outerradius 145 (e.g., about 2500 mm), a third width 146 (i.e., arc length)at third outer edge 144 (e.g., about 856 mm), and a third depth 147.FIG. 2E illustrates that each of fourth panels 150 can have a fourthinner edge 152 having a fourth inner radius 153 that can besubstantially equivalent to third outer radius 145 of third panels 140(e.g., about 2500 mm), a fourth outer edge 154 having a fourth outerradius 155 (e.g., about 3000 mm), a fourth width 156 (i.e., arc length)at fourth outer edge 154 (e.g., about 1028 mm), and a fourth depth 157.

As shown in FIG. 1 and discussed above, the assembled combination ofcenter panel 110, first panels 120, second panels 130, third panels 140,and fourth panels 150 can form a pattern of substantially concentricrings resembling a shooting target, with center panel 110 positioned atthe “bull's-eye”. The particular pattern formed can be varied bychanging the relative sizes of first panels 120, second panels 130,third panels 140, and fourth panels 150. For example, the number of eachof first panels 120, second panels 130, third panels 140, and fourthpanels 150 that are used to form first ring 128, second ring 138, thirdring 148, and fourth ring 158, respectively, can be selected (e.g., byvarying the widths of the respective groups of panels). As shown in FIG.1, for example, each of first ring 128, second ring 138, third ring 148,and fourth ring 158 can be composed or consist of the same number ofpanels (i.e., 18 panels in each ring), which can result in the panels ineach successive ring being wider than those in the previous ring (i.e.,second width 136 of each of second panels 130 is greater than firstwidth 126 of each of first panels 120). Alternatively, first width 126,second width 136, third width 146, and fourth width 156 can all beselected to be approximately the same size such that each successivering has more panels than the next most inner ring (e.g., third ring 148has a number of third panels 140 that is greater than a number of secondpanels 130 in second ring 138).

Alternatively or in addition, to further control the pattern of flooringpanels created, each of first depth 127, second depth 137, third depth147, and fourth depth 157 can be sized to be approximately the same suchthat first ring 128, second rind 138, third ring 148, and fourth ring158 are spaced from center panel 110 in substantially uniformincrements. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, these depthscan be non-uniformly sized such that the innermost panels (i.e., centerpanel 110 and first panels 120) can be proportionally larger than theoutermost panels in the overall flooring design, which can draw moreattention to the center of the pattern defined by system 100. The widthsand depths of the flooring panels can be selected to have any of avariety of relative dimensions to create a desired pattern for system100.

Furthermore, depending on whether system 100 is incorporated into anoverall flooring design, a rim 160 can be disposed around a perimeter ofsystem 100. Rim 160 can be comprised of a durable material that canprotect the flooring material from chips or other damage. In addition,rim 160 can be shaped or otherwise configured to provide a substantiallysmooth transition between the outermost ring (e.g., fourth ring 158 inFIG. 1) of system 100 and any other flooring in the overall flooringdesign. For example, the rim can comprise metal, plastic, rubber, or anyother kind of material known to those in the art. Rim 160 can be dividedinto a plurality of connected segments in a manner similar to the ringsdiscussed above, or rim 160 can be a continuous or substantiallycontinuous ring of material. Additionally, rim 160 can be formed todefine a channel into which the outer edge of each of the outermostpanels of system 100 can be inserted. Alternatively or in addition, rim160 can be coupled to the outermost panels of system 100 (e.g., tofourth ring 158 in the configuration shown in FIG. 1) using an adhesivematerial, such as a glue known to those having skill in the art.

Regardless of how the rings of panels are sized, the flooring panels canall be configured to interconnect together to maintain system 100 in adesired arrangement. As discussed above, the plurality of first panels120 can be arranged to form first ring 128 substantially surroundingcenter panel 110. In particular, first inner edge 122 of each of firstpanels 120 can be configured for engaging perimeter edge 112 of centerpanel 110. For example, each of center panel 110 and first panels 120can have one or more elements of an interlocking floor panel, generallydesignated 10. As used herein, the term “interlocking” can be understoodto include mechanical locking configurations for floor panel 10 thatallow system 100 to be locked or otherwise securely held in itsinstalled condition.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, such features can include a core 12, whichcan be composed or consist of a wood-based material like fiber board,particle board, chip board, oriented strand board, or massive wood, anda decorative surface layer 15, which can comprise one or more laminatedpaper layers having a pattern printed or otherwise formed thereon.Further, one or more edges of interlocking floor panel 10 can be milledor otherwise formed to define male and female mating features, such as atongue 13 (e.g., protruding about 4 mm from core 12) and a complementarygroove 14 (e.g., extending about 6.5 mm into core 12). In thisconfiguration, an edge of interlocking floor panel 10 defining a tongue13 can be engaged with an edge of an additional interlocking floor panel10′ that defines a complementary groove 14′. To secure this connectionbetween interlocking floor panel 10 and additional interlocking floorpanel 10′, the joining edges can furthermore be provided with one ormore heels intended to snap-join with recesses adapted thereto which, bybeing provided with essentially horizontal locking surfaces, limitsvertical movement between two joined adjacent panels. Alternatively, alower lip of groove 14 (i.e., a portion of core 12 below groove 14) canbe configured to flex downwardly in order to allow tongue 13 to slideinto place.

Alternatively, any of a variety of other known mating features can beused for interlocking adjacent floor panels. Where center panel 110 andfirst panels 120 have mating features such as those described above,perimeter edge 112 of center panel 110 and first inner edge 122 of eachof first panels 120 can comprise complementary mating features (e.g., atongue and a groove, respectively) that can be engaged to couple firstpanels 120 around center panel 110. Likewise, second panels 130 can havemating features (e.g., one of a tongue or a groove) on second inner edge132 that are configured to correspondingly engage mating features onfirst outer edge 124 of one or more of first panels 120.

In such a configuration, assembly of system 100 can comprise positioningcenter panel 110 on a subfloor and positioning a plurality of firstpanels 120 on the subfloor in a ring substantially surrounding centerpanel 110 (i.e., first ring 128) with first inner edge 122 of each offirst panels 120 engaging perimeter edge 112 of center panel 110. Forexample, center panel 110 can comprise a groove 14 along perimeter edge112, and each of first panels 120 can comprise a tongue 13 positioned atfirst inner edge 122 such that engaging first inner edge 122 of each offirst panels 120 with perimeter edge 112 of center panel 110 cancomprise inserting tongue 13 into groove 14. Once all of first panels120 are securely engaged with center panel 110, at least one additionalplurality of panels can be arranged in at least one additional ring. Inthis way, a pattern of substantially concentric rings about center panel110 can be incrementally constructed to form system 100.

In addition, the lateral edges (i.e., the edges connecting the inneredge to the outer edge and defining a depth) of each of the panels cansimilarly be configured to interconnect with adjacent panels. Forexample, first ring 128 can comprise alternating “male” panels having atongue on each lateral edge (e.g., substantially downward-facing) and“female” panels having a groove on each lateral edge (e.g.,substantially upward-facing). In this configuration, once a first inneredge 122 of one of first panels 120 is engaged with perimeter edge 112of center panel 110, the panel can be “folded down” such that thelateral edges of the panel engage the lateral edges of adjacent panelsthat have already been installed. For example, all of the “female”panels in first ring 128 can be engaged with center panel 110 and spacedaround center panel 110. Then, each “male” panel in first ring 128 canbe engaged with center panel 110 and folded down between and intoengagement with two of the “female” panels. By assembling the system 100in this manner, there is no need to alter the final one of first panels120 (i.e., the “keystone”) installed in first ring 128. Alternatively,each of first panels 120 can comprise one “male” mating feature on onelateral edge and one “female” mating feature on the opposing lateraledge.

In an alternative configuration, a “four sided” fold down assembly canbe utilized (i.e., system 100 is assembled solely through relativevertical movement of the panels). In such a system, first inner edge 122of each of first panels 120 comprises a “male” mating feature, and acorresponding first outer edge 124 of each of first panels 120 comprisesa “female” mating feature (or vice versa). Each of these first panels120 can then be designated as a “male” panel (i.e., a first lateral edgeand an opposing second lateral edge of first panel 120 both comprise atongue) or a “female” panel (i.e., a first lateral edge and a secondlateral edge of first panel 120 both comprise a groove). Alternatively,each of first panels 120 may have a “male” mating feature (e.g., atongue) on one of the first or second lateral edges and a “female”mating feature (e.g., groove) on the other of the first or secondlateral edges. Accordingly, in either configuration, each of firstpanels 120 will have a mating feature defined on each of itsedges/sides.

In yet a further alternative configuration, the panels of a given ringcan be configured for a horizontal assembly, where system 100 isassembled solely through relative horizontal movement of the panels. Inthis variation, however, it is noted that some type of tapping block maybe needed in order to install the keystone. In still a further assemblyvariation, the panels can be configured as part of an angled systemassembly, in which “male” mating features (e.g., tongues) and “female”mating features (e.g., grooves) of the keystone of each consecutive ringof panels is modified so that each keystone can be slid into place andcorrespondingly engaged with adjacent panels.

Alternatively or in addition to any of the connection configurations andmethods discussed hereinabove, one or more panels of system 100 can becoupled to adjacent panels using an adhesive material, such as a glueknown to those having skill in the art. It should be recognized,however, that although a number of possible configurations are disclosedhereinabove, any of a variety of other known mating assemblies can beused for assembly of interlocking adjacent floor panels. Therefore,regardless of the type of assembly used the flooring panels can all beconfigured to interconnectedly form the desired arrangement for system100.

The present subject matter can be embodied in other forms withoutdeparture from the spirit and essential characteristics thereof. Theembodiments described therefore are to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive. Although the present subject matterhas been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, otherembodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art arealso within the scope of the present subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system of floor panels comprising: a centerpanel having a perimeter edge; and a plurality of first panels eachhaving an inner edge and an outer edge opposing the inner edge, theinner edge of each of the plurality of first panels being configured forengaging the perimeter edge of the center panel, whereby the pluralityof first panels forms a first ring configured to substantially surroundthe center panel.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the center panel issubstantially circular.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the perimeteredge of the center panel comprises at least one of a tongue or a groove;and wherein the inner edge of each of the plurality of first panelscomprises one of a tongue or a groove configured to complementarilyengage the tongue or groove of the perimeter edge of the center panel.4. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first panelsand the center panel comprise a core and a decorative surface.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first panels has asubstantially similar shape.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theplurality of first panels is configured to form a first substantiallycircular first ring around the center panel.
 7. The system of claim 1,comprising at least one additional plurality of panels configured forengagement together to form at least one additional ring configured tosubstantially surround the first ring and the center panel.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the at least one additional ring isconfigured to be substantially concentric with the first ring.
 9. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the at least one additional plurality ofpanels comprises a second plurality of panels having an inner edge andan outer edge opposing the inner edge, the inner edge of each of thesecond plurality of panels being configured for engaging the outer edgeof one or more of the first plurality of panels.
 10. A system of floorpanels comprising: a substantially circular center panel having aperimeter edge; and a plurality of first panels each having an inneredge and an outer edge opposing the inner edge, the inner edge of eachof the plurality of first panels being configured for engaging theperimeter edge of the center panel, whereby the plurality of firstpanels forms a first substantially circular ring configured tosubstantially surround the center panel.
 11. A method for arranging aplurality of floor panels, the method comprising: positioning a centerpanel on a subfloor, the center panel having a perimeter edge; andpositioning a plurality of first panels on the subfloor in a first ringsubstantially surrounding the center panel, wherein an inner edge ofeach of the plurality of first panels engages the perimeter edge of thecenter panel.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein positioning aplurality of first panels on the subfloor in a first ring comprisespositioning the plurality of first panels in a substantially circularring around the center panel.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein theperimeter edge of the center panel comprises at least one of a tongue ora groove, and the inner edge of each of the plurality of first panelscomprises one of a tongue or a groove configured to complementarilyengage the tongue or groove of the perimeter edge of the center panel;and wherein positioning the plurality of first panels on the subfloor ina first ring comprises engaging the tongue or groove of each of theplurality of first panels with the tongue or groove of the center panel.14. The method of claim 11, comprising positioning at least oneadditional plurality of panels on the subfloor in at least oneadditional ring substantially surrounding the first ring and the centerpanel.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein positioning at least oneadditional plurality of panels on the subfloor in at least oneadditional ring comprises positioning the at least one additionalplurality of panels substantially concentric ring with the first ring.